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Re: plural with 'is'?

Usually, a compound NP (noun phrase) (in subject position) assigns plural number to its verb. When, however, the compound is treated as one, singular is okay.

Yeah, I gave a bad example for the answer to be 'either, or - it depends on the meaning'. I was thinking what if, for example, 'pace' meant general pace and not pace down the flank? But then you wouldn't say 'Ashley Cole's attack down the flank'; you'd have to say 'Ashley Cole's attacks down the flank', making the plural necessary.

Re: plural with 'is'?

At club level, the best football is played in Spain, Italy, and England. Football anywhere else is satirical mimicry.
At national level, I think Spain, Germany, and Brazil will be the top three. I will be rooting for the best team. May the best man (or team) win -- that is what I say.